tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359991502018-03-06T12:07:12.068-08:00Valley of the VaporsSeeking Higher Things - Not Always Succeedingp.alannoreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-40426614873813709702015-03-13T00:50:00.002-07:002015-03-13T00:52:39.532-07:00There is life after Hot SpringsI just looked back to some old photos to remember exactly when my life was leading me Out of Arkansas. &nbsp;Just for a reference point. &nbsp;Just to remember. <br /><br />So much has happened. &nbsp;More than can be explained. <br /><br />Much of it was so terrible at the time that, well, it was beyond words...<br /><br />I'm ok now. &nbsp;In fact, I am better than I have EVER BEEN!!! &nbsp;And I would have never been able to say in my old blogging voice, that I am THIS happy while in the same breath be able to mutter that I am in fact moving BACK to Arkansas....<br /><br />Yes. &nbsp;It is true. &nbsp;I, who has championed all the shit that has come at me since 2009, is KILLING IT and am so excited to be moving back to my roots... all with the perks of the professional life I have been able to build up for myself.<br /><br />I mean, really, it's strange to try to be relating to my blogging self of 2009 and all that I have been through and be able to say to him that "you survived and you really did damn good for yourself in the long run...<br /><br />you lost everything AGAIN, but GAINED everyTHING in the process..<br /><br />you had a STROKE again, and by the way, and had to relearn how to speak...<br /><br />you've been coast to coast for work several times, &nbsp;and for the past year have lived in one of the most beautiful parts of the Pacific Northwest... <br /><br />You've made friends that will last a lifetime and not those that withered soon after you stopped nurturing them.. &nbsp;(who needs that type of friend?)<br /><br />And you've been able to meet some of the most eccletic people in work and life since the tearing away of that virginal life that took you so long tear away from back in 2009....<br /><br />It's 2015. <br />-Spencer is in the Navy.<br />-Rachel has cut you out of her life completely, including changing your own children's name to pretend that you never existed. <br />-You work for a national Dental Provider as the Lab Supervisor for a multi-state region. <br />-You are familiar with the air travel grind of weather delays, over-sold flights and lost luggage. <br />-Your partner, Mark, sweats to prepare your house to now SELL, instead of LIVING in the land of Portlandia, and for the very first time in your life, you are partnered with someone who holds you in the same (higher) esteem as themselves and as their living goal is to MAKE YOU HAPPY.<br /><br />It's like you lost everything, but gained even more. <br /><br />Wow! p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-73140880925536055072010-06-30T14:24:00.001-07:002010-06-30T14:30:34.544-07:00Call it RebirthAfter several months of transition, I've found myself in a brand new position in life. Again. Not only am I in a new city, I find myself single again. Unattached. Solo.<br /><br />So, here's to new growth and new possibilities. A Rebirth.p.alannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-43596423406970718852010-03-10T18:29:00.000-08:002010-03-10T18:39:41.325-08:00Six MonthsIS a very long time to not write for one's blog and still not consider it a 'dead blog'. It is very much alive. Much like a tulip bulb, which only shows a short time above ground, the life that continually flows underneath the surface.<br /><br />Much is happening and has happened since I left off with a misleading post about blog resurrection. The consideration I had wanted to give this blog was halted by the actions of another. Legal actions. It is for that reason that I cannot and will not air any clear picture of what is happening otherwise in my life. Only after some resolution to that matter do I dare give glimpse into my world.<br /><br />There's not much more I can say, except that I'm doing very well, I miss my children dreadfully, and have learned that lies spoken to intend harm to one often hurt many more.p.alannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-53635213682673795582009-08-15T08:19:00.001-07:002009-08-15T08:52:28.504-07:00Time for Blog ResurrectionChange has happened, and it has been a wonderful experience so far. Due to reasons concerning my current employment at the time, I did not fully disclose all the information pertaining to the new journey upon which I was about to embark. What transpired after the interview I mentioned in the previous post was like a dream coming true.<br /><br />Fast forward to now... I've been in Cleveland a full week! Considering the amount of fuss involved in a transition of this sort, I haven't had the will nor the time to keep bloggers posted. My obvious lack of blog-time did not go unnoticed, as pointed-out a couple of weeks ago by blogger-pal and Facebook friend, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=676430290&amp;ref=nf">William.</a> <br /><br />And so it begins again. Now, more than ever, I will be utilizing Blogger to keep family, friends and onlookers up to date on my whereabouts and activities. Below are videos I took during my interview visit, and soon to follow are photos from my weekend activities last weekend. As I complete this post, I will be out the door with the Canon, and off to explore NE Ohio, Lake Erie and beyond...<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FieW0t9mEtQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FieW0t9mEtQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xfv3YEpOD9I&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xfv3YEpOD9I&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>p.alannoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-25376590475881222142009-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:002009-07-07T21:53:35.449-07:00Change<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3CHDoH-uLiM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3CHDoH-uLiM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />I've been waiting for change. Today, change came and there is plenty more on the way. Not only did I visit with a legal professional about personal matters, but also the job interview that has been in question for over a week is now going to be a reality. I leave next Tuesday afternoon for a two-day working interview in Cleveland. Thursday I return home with hopes of having a job offer! <br /><br />Cleveland? Yes, Cleveland.p.alannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-67532054292067435012009-07-03T00:24:00.000-07:002009-07-03T01:32:58.006-07:00My favorite ending to any television series has to be for Six Feet Under. That show cut through new emotional grounds for many, including me. Life... it is inexplicably challenging. How we live it is more often by choice and less by circumstance. One moment we will all face, no matter how underachieved nor accomplished our lives, is death. Embrace that fact first, and only then will you begin to live.<br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/el4eUKmLujg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/el4eUKmLujg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br />As I've been living this life of mine, I know that I have been guilty of living it according to the will and hopes of others more than what made sense for my own sake. Having grown in many ways these recent years has enabled me to more finely hewn my own self-perspectives. My need for approval is more centered within now, and is much less an external force. It is rather handy a trait to have now, as I will likely be making decisions as to the direction of my and Joe's life that will not garner a heap of support. There's been a job opportunity fall into my lap, and it would require a major relocation. There is always the chance that I will refuse the offer. Should it be the right thing for me, my only answer can be "yes". I know I will have full support of the most important person in my life, but to the rest of my family the result will be shortly lived in pandemonium. However long, I've no idea. <br /><br />Then, there's the friends.... Some are supportive, some are indifferent, some fail to see the point completely. At this point in my life, I don't really give a flying flip about any of the negative responses. I've got too many other things to occupy my time.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S_huXesmcX0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S_huXesmcX0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>p.alannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-4775350755185140562009-07-01T21:45:00.000-07:002009-07-01T21:50:26.701-07:00It's Hard to BelieveI haven't posted since April 27. I believe I have reached the age where time is beginning to get away from me. But, I should tell that life here at The 602 has been humming right along w/o stopping. I will go into the major points in another post, as it is now a dreadful 11:48 pm on a Wednesday evening, and I just haven't the energy nor the will.<br /><br />Let's just say that some is good... some is not so good... and some is too boring to even consider posting.<br /><br />Until then..... Shalom.p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-7450436436543596222009-04-27T14:42:00.000-07:002009-04-27T14:50:56.377-07:00I Don't Know Why<p><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yfgyXfOQSJE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x5d1719&amp;color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yfgyXfOQSJE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br />I can't explain why I am so emotional lately. The smallest of things either get under my skin or they touch me so deeply I easily come to tears. I heard this OMD song on the radio just a while ago, and for one short moment, I was carried away. It had been ages since I've heard it, even still, the connection was instantaneous. Struck a chord with me, I guess you could say.<br /><br />I suppose one reason I've been so touchy is because I'm about to turn 40. But, it's not really that simple... but rather everything that comes along with changing that first number...</p><p>Am I where I should be in life at this point?</p><p>Am I really doing what I want to do with my life?</p><p>Am I ever going to get that surprise Corvette for my birthday?</p><p>I just told Joe the other day that my life is as good as it has ever been, and it's true. I've lived through some awful messes and would rather stick pencils in my eyes than to have to relive them... but for some reason, right now, nothing seems good enough.</p><p>Is this normal? Is it okay to feel this way?</p>p.alannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-45878915362097825762009-03-06T09:15:00.000-08:002009-03-06T09:19:01.978-08:00Just Keep Swimming....It’s a motto I have taken to heart. Yes, a silly line from a movie many of us have grown to love, but it has become so much more to me. Dory, the forgetfull one, knew that no matter what you are up against, you just have to keep on swimming….<br /><br />Lately, I’ve felt a bit like Dory, i.e., lacking real direction in my fitness goals and plans for the future. As you can see from my previous posts, I whole-heartedly dove into working P90X as a way to whip myself back into shape. Unfortunately, I over-exherted myself and was in no way prepared to tackle such a large goal. I became sick from not having sufficient fitness that is necessary to perform those exercises, and ultimately, lost my will to complete the program.<br /><br />Through some deep inner desire, I have once again begun the process of reaching for my fitness goals. However, this time I am being more realistic in what I can achieve. Once I am able to afford the effort involved, I will take P90X on again, but not until then. When will that be able to take place? I have no idea… and therein lies the wisdom I have gained:<span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"> <strong><em>Only take upon yourself, that which you can sufficiently perform.</em></strong> </span>Neglecting this simple principle will leave you sick, injured, and even worse, lost of your fitness inspirations.<br /><br />What I am doing is quite simple, and I am going to continue keeping it simple b/c I wish for it to become a habit I keep for life. One hour each day, I only walk. The other 23 hours of my day are spent watching what I eat and getting the rest my body needs. Doing this simple regiment will enable me to take on more activity as my body slims and tones. Several years of inactivity cannot be reversed in 90 days. It is unrealistic.<br /><br />When I have lost the weight I deem necessary, I will see where I stand physically then make the necessary steps to increase my activity level. One day, I will own a P90X body. It is a promise I have made to myself, and I will not stop my progress towards that.p.alannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-13544411695320806652009-03-06T07:45:00.000-08:002009-03-06T08:15:56.624-08:00A Lazy FridayI'm at work alone today. My only co-worker is off, and I am here by my lonesome. It's quiet, 'cept for the XM radio in the back room. I have case-work to do for a dentist in Arkadelphia, but I have no will to get <strong><em>'on it'</em></strong> today.<br /><br />I've become slower to blog lately, too. I guess I should just give a few updates about what is going on in my life and around The 602:<br /><br />*Charles moved in with us a couple of months ago... a result of his breakup with his bi-polar girlfriend. He ended up having to bring along his 500 year old beagle... "Betty".<br /><br />*Betty smells like a beagle.<br /><br />*Betty bit my foot yesterday.<br /><br />*The 602 now has 6 residents: 3 men, 2 Scotties, and 1 Betty.<br /><br />*I've been walking diligently since giving up on P90X... I will start that program again, but only after I've lost more weight. All the jumping around killed my knees, hips and ankles. Lately, I've been walking The Promenade behind Bathhouse Row every day after work, making the mile-long circle 3 times.<br /><br />*One of my Great-Aunts keeled over last night. She's one of the last I still have. I bet my Mom and all her sisters will go to her funeral. She lived in Palm Springs.<br /><br />*I would love to go to Palm Springs... but I don't want it to be for a funeral.<br /><br />*Joe is looking for another job, while I have decided to keep the one I've got.<br /><br />*Joe and I have finally worked out a financial plan for the next few years, which puts my mind more at ease than it has been in a very, very long time. (We are working to be totally debt-free in the next couple of years!)<br /><br />*My convertible Cadillac Eldorado, Esmerelda, will soon be getting a complete makeover and rebuild. ...look out, streets of Hot Springs!p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-54307500360535621712009-02-20T08:54:00.000-08:002009-02-20T08:55:15.451-08:00Another Friday Flashback<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e6IIirYAnSc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e6IIirYAnSc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br />Peter Schilling's Major Tomp.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-68605997661700931262009-02-13T08:57:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:58:03.799-08:00Flashback FridayA Flock of Hairdoos... I mean, Seagulls.<br /><br /><br /><object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uUjIA3Rt7gk&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x5d1719&amp;color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uUjIA3Rt7gk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-70017169119225913492009-01-27T05:45:00.000-08:002009-01-27T05:55:27.534-08:00Job Hunting Season is Now Open<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SX8QskVfIfI/AAAAAAAACbI/nNtCt5Z2XEA/s1600-h/job+search.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295970044665078258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SX8QskVfIfI/AAAAAAAACbI/nNtCt5Z2XEA/s320/job+search.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The dental field has lost it's magic with me. I'm sick of self-centered dentists and their selfish, backstabbing staff members. There is only one solution:<br /><br />Look for another job.<br /><br />Yes, that time has come. After being involved in this field for a number of years (I was first introduced into it in 1990), I am ready to move on... do something different.<br /><br />I've already begun a few online job applications, in hopes of catching a real sweet new job. I realize, too, that times are tough out there for many, so competition may be stiff. Regardless, all I can do is put my best face on and show it to as many potential employers as I can. Surely, something will come along....p.alannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-3033870574005212632009-01-23T09:35:00.000-08:002009-01-23T09:37:59.246-08:00Describes Me in Many WaysI have good days. I have bad days. I can't let it stop me.<br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/941kVoQh9_s&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/941kVoQh9_s&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-4869820371992125892009-01-21T08:26:00.001-08:002009-01-21T08:55:03.217-08:00Goodnight, Mr. Rourke<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SXdMznun-HI/AAAAAAAACa4/wfF8ijfGU38/s1600-h/ricardo+montalban+life.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293784336718887026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SXdMznun-HI/AAAAAAAACa4/wfF8ijfGU38/s320/ricardo+montalban+life.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have spent the last hour, or so, sitting in front of the tube, watching a biography on Ricardo Montalban. (I'm at home, sick....) And at the close of that episode, the image of him appears and soon to follow are the years of birth... and death! I didn't know, but he died Jan. 16, 2009 at the age of 88.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I LOVED Ricardo. Even as a child, I thought he was one of the most distinguished actors of our time. With that dark hair, sometimes even combed into a wave-do, which was popular for men in the 1960's and before, that rich voice of his (the accent... eh, not so much), and that body he kept toned all throughout his adult life, I thought he was <em><strong>ultra-male</strong></em>. Especially taking into consideration how handsome the guy was up into his sixties in his <em>Fantasy Island</em> days.<br /><br /><br />I remember a movie in particular, of which the name escapes me - thank you, Robitussin, that shows a dame in Ricardo's arms, and the frame is filled with him and the back of the lady's head. Before he locks his lips on her, the observers can't help but notice the man had a chest-full of hair, as it brimmed out and over his shirt. His arms were just as... if not more hairy. I tried to look for (steal) a representative photo on the net, but all I've been able to find are shots of him in full-sleeves..... or SHAVED!!! I suppose some of those Hollywood big-shots said, "Ricky... keep that beastly hair under control". (They were obviously straight, as most of the gay producers would've included such in as many shots as possible.)<br /><br />Here's another great shot of Ricardo (shaven, mind you):<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SXdRJITRhvI/AAAAAAAACbA/Pub_oWgOx9s/s1600-h/ricardomontalban6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293789104286303986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SXdRJITRhvI/AAAAAAAACbA/Pub_oWgOx9s/s320/ricardomontalban6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>So today, my heart is kind of heavy. One of the very men that helped me to shape my formative concepts of manhood is gone. And I'm sure he's left a huge empty spot in the hearts of many others. </p><p></p><p>Good Night, Mr. Rourke. I hope you are resting easily now.</p><p></p><p>I almost forgot... I wanted to leave a link to a great website. <a href="http://www.briansdriveintheater.com/beefcake.html">Brian'sDrive-InTheatre</a> is a treat for any movie buff. I've parroused the site for a few years, and thought I'd share it for anyone who's never been there before. There's loads of info on actors and actresses that many of us have long forgotten. Take a look!</p>p.alannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-52880725332398965782009-01-10T11:34:00.000-08:002009-01-10T11:35:13.083-08:00P90X - Day 2 (having a little fun)<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fEPMdZbmzCw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fEPMdZbmzCw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object>p.alannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-50296024516032977802009-01-10T11:30:00.000-08:002009-01-10T11:33:29.742-08:00My First Day of P90X<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NsRx1AgIdTI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NsRx1AgIdTI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object>p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-68112535521063049212008-12-27T12:32:00.000-08:002008-12-27T12:37:20.448-08:00Where Can I Find?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SVaRKN1Q5RI/AAAAAAAACZ4/WQGhWEPRdJw/s1600-h/HP_sauce.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284570817463641362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 78px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SVaRKN1Q5RI/AAAAAAAACZ4/WQGhWEPRdJw/s320/HP_sauce.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Yes, I know it's an English staple, but I'd love to know if anyone knows where I could find HP. It's very similar to A1, but with a tarter bite, and not as thick. It's wonderful on eggs, and with getting ready for my new fitness minded lifestyle, I will be eating plenty of egg-white omlettes. Please give a shout-out if you know!</div>p.alannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-16828219561734520782008-12-27T11:33:00.000-08:002008-12-27T11:55:29.355-08:00I've Made a New CommittmentEver heard of P90X? It's a series of fitness dvd's sold on late night informercial-vision. A new friend and I are going to be whipping ourselves into shape each day at my new gym, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdDegreeFitness">3rdDegreeFitness</a>. It claims to be able to transform your body in 90 days... although I think I may need to do it twice... I've never been so out of shape in my life, and I am ready for the changes to come!!!!<br /><br />My new workout buddy is a trainer at this gym, and I have been following his fitness and weight loss battles on youtube for some time. At first, I didn't realize that he lived in Hot Springs, but it is such a small world sometimes, isn't it?? Anyhow, I've been doing my own battle with the bulge, as many of you who know me already know. My biggest mistake this year though, was taking on too many other obligations, and the gym somehow slid into bottom priority. By slacking off my gym time, I was able to re-gain nearly 20 lbs. that I had lost... and I did it in only the length of 16 weeks, or i.e., one Fall Semester. I'm not dissapointed, I just now realize that the committment I make to fitness and overall health must be a daily consideration, just like eating or sleeping, or I will die a very premature death. I don't want to die young. I refuse.<br /><br />Luck would have it that my new friend and I would finally meet face to face yesterday, and upon discovering that we're to turn 40 years old within a month of each other, we have made a pact to celebrate our 40th Birthdays in the best shape of our lives. I am so, so, SO very excited about this! You know how when something is so exciting to you that you cannot sleep? THAT is how excited I was about this. (Which today, makes Alan a sloppy, dragging, tired fool.)<br /><br />I am making certain preparations for the journey today, even though I feel like crap-o-la. I am getting the kitchen and pantry ready for a make-over as well. I know I will need to free up space in the pantry and fridge and freezer, for the new bounty of healthy foods I will now be keeping on hand. I am also rearranging the cupboards as best I can, and any other way possible to help me help myself in the kitchen. <br /><br />And as tired as I still am from a severe deprivation of sleep.... I am still SO very excited. Tomorrow will be the day it begins.p.alannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-22532839285618058512008-12-27T11:20:00.000-08:002008-12-27T11:33:32.202-08:00Number 3<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SVaBGrEdAfI/AAAAAAAACZw/_DKSOYxRwZQ/s1600-h/johnny+cakes+and+vito.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284553164406456818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SVaBGrEdAfI/AAAAAAAACZw/_DKSOYxRwZQ/s320/johnny+cakes+and+vito.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20249127,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines-yahoobuzz">John Costelloe</a>, also known as Johnny Cakes... the closeted gay love interest of Vito on The Soprano's, also has died.<br /><br />Actually, Christmas Day brought us three deaths with one big wham. Besides Costelloe and Eartha Kitt, Nobel-winning and otherwise famous playwright Harold Pinter, all died on the same day.<br /><br />In threes, ya know.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Johnny Cakes and Vito share</strong><br /><strong>a special moment.</strong>p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-42917455976013870282008-12-25T16:55:00.000-08:002008-12-25T16:57:26.474-08:00Classic Eartha<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aQF7C6LxE_s&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aQF7C6LxE_s&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object><br /><br />You can even hear a Cat Purrrrrr!p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-16872115341790221912008-12-25T16:09:00.000-08:002008-12-25T16:42:17.229-08:00RIP, Eartha Kitt<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SVQhb6VoXqI/AAAAAAAACZQ/TFhosJeDy7A/s1600-h/img_3056-eartha_kitt_wordpress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283885026212601506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SVQhb6VoXqI/AAAAAAAACZQ/TFhosJeDy7A/s320/img_3056-eartha_kitt_wordpress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eartha_Kitt"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Eartha_Kitt</span></strong></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">,</span> made famous for her role as Catwoman on the 1960's television series, Batman, as well as for her vixen-voiced rendition of <strong>"</strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Baby"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Santa_Baby</span></strong></a><strong>",</strong> has died. Ms. Kitt comes in as my #2, in reference to my earlier post this month, <a href="http://valleyofthevapors.blogspot.com/2008/12/it-happens-in-threes-you-know.html"><em><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">"It_Happens_In_Threes,_You_Know...?</span></strong></em></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br /></span><br />Isn't this ironic? <strong>Santa Baby</strong> is one of my favorite Christmas songs, and today, December 25th, was <strong>THE DAY</strong> Ms. Kitt would take her last breath. She recorded the song in 1953.<br /><br />Coming a long way from her South Carolina roots - the daughter of a poor cotton farming family, her father was white - she proclaimed <em>herself </em>as a sex-kitten, Orson Wells called her <em>"the most exciting woman in the world", </em>and through her 6 decade career, earned herself three Emmy nominations... two of which she won, and also numerous Grammy and Tony nominations. Stage and screen icons like Eartha are a disappearing type of hybrid performer. Even entering her 80's, she had a large fan base that was less than half her age. I happen to be one of them! As of the past few years, Eartha had taken part in several children's animated series, doing voice characterizations. I will follow this post with a video or two (hopefully there's a clip on youtube).<br /><br />Good Night, sweet and sexy Eartha. You were loved by many.p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-43528486536382442372008-12-25T11:21:00.000-08:002008-12-25T11:27:17.029-08:00DonateMy friends at Wikipedia are a fascinating bunch. I just took the time to make a donation to show my appreciation for their hard work. <br /><br />Where else in the world wide web can one search for information without the pesky ads and pop-ups? I can spend hours (and have) looking at anything and/or nothing specific, just to expand my knowledge. Of course, I was one child that read the dictionary and encyclopedia... for fun. Does that label me as a nerd?<br /><br />Here's a link to donate. Do it!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Donate/en"><img border="0" alt="Wikipedia Affiliate Button" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/foundation/3/36/2008_fundraiser_square_button-en.png" /></a>p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-41376324993793116252008-12-15T21:18:00.000-08:002008-12-15T21:25:04.988-08:00Open House Photos<table style="WIDTH: 194px"><tbody><tr><td style="BACKGROUND: url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left 50%; HEIGHT: 194px" align="middle"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/sublimiora.petamus/ChristmasOpenHouse#"><img style="MARGIN: 1px 0px 0px 4px" height="160" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w1MOzgMwpc8/SUVMbj9PN1E/AAAAAAAACXk/ZB0X1JTMAkg/s160-c/ChristmasOpenHouse.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: #4d4d4d; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/sublimiora.petamus/ChristmasOpenHouse#">Christmas Open House</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I was able to take photos at the very beginning and at the very end. Sorry for the gap, but we had such a good time, that toting a camera was not on my mind. The photos in the kitchen were at the end of the evening, and things were getting messy:) My friend Sharon is actually wearing a shirt of mine, b/c she was 'burning up' in her Christmas sweater. </p><p>All be told, I think we had around 50 people show up.</p>p.alannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35999150.post-47265119890922548632008-12-12T08:31:00.000-08:002008-12-12T08:56:21.654-08:00A Sprint through ChristmasJoe and I both took today off from work to prepare for our Christmas festivities. For those of you who have been in our home, you well know the amount of 'stuff', and the difficulties the 'stuff' have presented in allowing for a living flow throughout the house. Should any of you be able to visit within the next few weeks, you will notice the drastic changes we have made! <br /><br /><ul><li>The front parlor has been totally cleaned, including each and every individual piece of antiquity, and the black baby grand has been tuned. </li><li>The library has been cleared and rearranged... and cleaned.</li><li>The dining room has been cleared of all the <a href="http://browncountyartcolony.blogspot.com/">Brown_County_Art,</a> cleaned, and selectively had its antiquities rearranged.</li><li>The back parlor has had all of its bookcases cleared of chachkies and replaced with, well... books... and cleaned.</li><li>The kitchen... cleared and cleaned.</li><li><div align="left">The laundry room/powder room has had a nice treatment of <a href="http://browncountyartcolony.blogspot.com/search/label/Kenneth%20J.%20Reeve">Kenneth_Reeve</a> hanging art added to its walls... and cleaned.</div></li></ul><p align="left">And I hope that if you are not able to drop-in on The 602 this Christmas season, that all of the work that has gone into it recently will remain as is. (I can only hope.)</p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">The reasons for all the 'to-do' are two fold... On Saturday, we will be having our first ever Open House. It is for our friends and neighbors, Ron and Leigh Linton, who will be having a jewelry show. They are fine artisans in precious metals and stones, and we have thought of hosting a show for them for quite some time. It is also a way for us to be motivated to get our house 'guest-ready'. </p><p align="left">Then on the following weekend, my family will be gathering here to celebrate our Christmas. It will be the first time I have hosted my family Christmas in several years. The last time, Rachel and I were still married, and Luke had just been born less than a month prior. Needless to say, my circumstances have changed drastically since then, and I am very excited to be able to welcome my own flesh and blood into a home full of warmth and love. </p><p align="left">I've got a lot more to do, so I'd better get crackin'!!!! I'll post pictures as I can. </p>p.alannoreply@blogger.com2